Click ahead to see how you can protect you home, inside and out, against rodent invasion.

Since rodents can enter through openings that are less than ¼ inch in
diameter, it's important to rodent-proof your home and clean up debris in attics, basements, closets, lockers and other areas inside your home.

And speaking of containers, rodents love pet food so it's best to store dry pet food, seeds and other similar objects in rodent-proof holders. Also, you should avoid leaving pet food exposed overnight.

And speaking of containers, rodents love pet food so it's best to store dry pet food, seeds and other similar objects in rodent-proof holders. Also, you should avoid leaving pet food exposed overnight.

Photo: AlexTurton/Getty Images

Image 17 of 28

Shrubs and grass should be trimmed and away from buildings to create 12-18 inch spaces of open ground.

Shrubs and grass should be trimmed and away from buildings to create 12-18 inch spaces of open ground.

Photo: Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images

Image 18 of 28

Check for gaps around exterior doors and seal them with weather stripping or door sweeps to prevent rodent entry.

Check for gaps around exterior doors and seal them with weather stripping or door sweeps to prevent rodent entry.

Photo: Corbis/VCG/Getty Images/Passage Unreleased

Image 19 of 28

Air vents, louvers, vent pipes and shafts, tile roofs, and gaps around the chimney should all be checked and repaired if damaged.

Air vents, louvers, vent pipes and shafts, tile roofs, and gaps around the chimney should all be checked and repaired if damaged.

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Image 20 of 28

Image 21 of 28

Pick up all ripe fruits and
vegetables that's within rodent reach.

Pick up all ripe fruits and
vegetables that's within rodent reach.

Photo: @kosje/Getty Images/RooM RF

Image 22 of 28

Rodents dislike loose gravel so installing a pea gravel barrier between landscaping and buildings is a great option.

Rodents dislike loose gravel so installing a pea gravel barrier between landscaping and buildings is a great option.

ALSO

Since 2017, more than 20 nutria have been spotted in Stanislaus, Merced and Fresno counties. However, that number could explode if they aren't dealt with quickly. Nutria can give birth to up to 200 offspring each year.

“We have traps out. We’re setting traps. We have trail cameras," Tira said. "We’re really asking for the public's help to report sightings so we can get a handle on the extent of the problem."

Nutria are native to South America, and they were introduced to California in 1899 for their mink-like fur.

Wildlife officials believed they were eradicated from the state in 1978 but now think a colony may have stayed under the radar and only recently reemerged.

Nutria is often mistaken for a beaver or muskrat, but it's identified by its white whiskers, rounded tail and webbed feet with just one toe free.